The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-13
A SONG SAVED IT.
How They Sang the "Star-Spaneled Banner,
When Lincoln Was Inaugurated

When Lincoln Was Inaugurated
Thomas Mast. in Denver News.
was in Washington few DAYS prior to the
Inauguration Of Lincoln, in 1851 having been
sent by the Harpers to take sketches when that
event should come off. 1 did nothing but walk
around the city and feel the public pulse, so to
speak. There was no necessity of saying any
thing to anybody. You intuitively recognized
that trouble was brewing. Southerners had
sworn that Lincoln should not be inaugurated
Their utterances had fired the Northern heart
and the people loyal to the old flag were just as
determined that the lawfully elected President
should be inaugurated. though blood should flow
In the attempt. 1t was an awful time. People
looked different then than they do now. Little
knots of men could DE seen conversing together
in whispers street corners, and even the
whispers ceased when person unknown to them
approached. Everybody seemed to suspect
everyone else. Every woman looked askance
at each other and children obliged to be out
would skurry home if frightened, probably
having been given warning by their parents.
The streets at night, for several nights prior to
the inaugural ceremonies were practically de-
serted. There was hush over everything 1t
seemed to me that the shadow of death was
lowering near. had constantly floating before
my eyes sable plumes and trappings of woe. I
could hear dirges constantly, and thought for
awhile 1 would have to leave the place or 60
crazy. / knew all these sombre thoughts We're
but Imagination, but also knew that the some
thing which had influenced my imagination was
tangible really existed The 4th of March
came and Mr.. Lincoln was inaugurated quietly
and without ostentation. After the services
were over and it became known that Mr.. Lin
coin had really been indicted into office there
was a savage snarl went up from the Southern
ers. The snarl was infectious. 1t was an
swered by just as savage growls all over the
city. But nothing was said. A single yell of
defiance, pistol shot, even oath would
have precipitated a conflict. Men simply gared
at each other and CRASHED their teeth, but were
careful not to grit them it could be heard.
went to my room in the Willard and sat down
to do some work. l couldn't work. The still
ness was oppressive. At least dozen times [
picked up my pencils only to throw them down
again. got up and paced the floor nervously.
thing Walking didn't relieve the severe mental
strain. 1 sat down in my chair and pressed my
head in my hands. Suddenly heard a window
go up and some one step out on the balcony of
the Ebbitt House, directly opposite. Everybody
in the hotels had heard him. What is he going
to dot 1 asked myself, and 1 suppose everyone
else propOunded the same mental interrogation.
We hadn't to wait long. He began to sing the
s'Star Spangled Banner" in clear strong voice.
The effect magical, electrical. One window
went up, and another, and then another, and
heads popped out all the neighborhood.
People began to stir the streets. A crowd
gathered. The grand old song taken
up and sung by thousands. The spell
were loosened and cheer after cheer rent the
air. The man rooming next to me raped on
my door and insisted that / should take drink
with him. AS we passed along the corridors we
were joined by others, men wild with joy, some
of them weeping and throwing their arms
around each others neck Others singing
and all were happy.
Washington was itself again. The ''Star
Spangled Banner" had saved it.